Mikael Silvestre: Bukayo Saka Must Be Rested If Arsenal Want To Challenge Later In The Season

Arsenal currently find themselves sixth in the Premier League after six games played. Whilst the Gunners are yet to display the form that had them deemed title contenders last season, they have managed to avoid losing so far.

We caught up with former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre to discuss some of Arsenal’s key players so far this season.

In this article:

• Does Bukayo Saka Need A Break?
• Saka is sixth in players to have played in the most games before their 22nd birthday
• Saliba can claim to be one of the best defenders in the league
• Safer Gambling

Does Bukayo Saka Need A Break?

Over the last few years, it’s clear that Bukayo Saka has played a lot of football for both club and country. Through data provided by OPTA, we have uncovered that Saka made his debut for Arsenal on 29th November 2018 against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League. Since then, he has played 187 games for Arsenal in all competitions, with only Granit Xhaka appearing in more (189).

Silvestre agrees with the sentiment that Saka has played too much football since breaking into the Arsenal first team. He believes if Arsenal are to enjoy success in the latter stages of the season, they will need to ensure Saka is used appropriately to ensure he avoids injuries.

“Bukayo Saka is playing too much. He plays in a position where he is sprinting a lot, and he is challenged a lot by the defenders. He has not been given enough rest.”

“He needs to be given some rest if Arsenal wants him to be there in March and April, which is when the team will really be competing in the important games for the title and in the Champions League.”

“But he might get tired at that time. We know how tough the schedule in England is, and he also plays with the international team as well.”

“By the time he has to go to the Euro, two-thirds of his energy will be gone. It’s both physical and mentally. He needs to recharge the battery and recover to be on top every week.”

Saka is sixth in players to have played in the most games before their 22nd birthday

Saka has and will continue to play a vital role for both club and country since his emergence. On the 5th of September, Saka turned 22. At that moment, he had already played 139 Premier League games. Only five players have played more Premier League matches before their 22nd birthday. Silvestre believes Arsenal and Liverpool will be the two sides to compete with Manchester City and hopes the strength of the Arsenal bench will be key to ensuring a profound title run.

“It's the same for Bruno Fernandes at Man United, who is also playing too much. It´s a big risk for his body, and I don't want him to get injured.”

“Arsenal need a stronger bench, and if you look at the teams that won their league in the top five leagues, all of them had strong players on the bench. That made a big difference in the end.”

“It’s a long season, but I would still say that Liverpool and Arsenal are the ones that can challenge Man City for the title.”

Saliba can claim to be one of the best defenders in the league

Another revelation from last season was French central defender William Saliba. He has managed to establish himself as a mainstay in the Arsenal defence through his ability on the ball, reading of the game and his physical capabilities. Whilst Silvestre believes Saliba has aspects of his game that will require honing, he says his fellow Frenchman can claim to be one of the best defenders in the league.

“We will see at the end of the season. Saliba has done really well. I think he got caught one time in the weekend, but overall, he could play for every top team in the Premier League.”

“So, yes, I think he can claim to be one of the best in the league. He is a key player for Arsenal, and he has come back very strong from his injury.”

“Sometimes he gets dragged into challenges, and he is a big lad, so it’s difficult for him to come back and chase the ball after a lost challenge.”

“But the way he reads the game has been improving. He jumps into challenges a bit too often where he could give the opponent some time instead.”

“He has been superb.”

SAFER GAMBLING

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